U.S. patent application number 12/980739 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-14 for gun storage rack.
Invention is credited to GREGORY A. STOLZ.
Application Number | 20110168649 12/980739 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44257722 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110168649 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
STOLZ; GREGORY A. |
July 14, 2011 |
GUN STORAGE RACK
Abstract
A gun storage rack comprising an elongated support base mounted
on a wall or door. The upper end of the base includes a muzzle
housing, and the lower end includes a stock housing. The stock
housing has a movable floor, resiliently biased upwardly. Under
downward pressure from the stock of a gun, the downward travel of
the floor allows the muzzle end of the gun to clear the lower edge
of the muzzle housing. Upon release of the pressure, the muzzle
enters the muzzle housing. Locking means then restrains the floor
in the stock housing from being moved downwardly, effectively
locking the upper and lower ends of the gun within the muzzle
housing and the stock housing. A selectively positionable trigger
housing encloses the lateral portions of the gun's trigger,
preventing access thereto. Release of the locking means allows
instantaneous removal of the gun from the rack.
Inventors: |
STOLZ; GREGORY A.;
(ROSEVILLE, CA) |
Family ID: |
44257722 |
Appl. No.: |
12/980739 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61293253 |
Jan 8, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/4 ;
211/64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 81/005
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/4 ;
211/64 |
International
Class: |
A47B 81/00 20060101
A47B081/00; E05B 73/00 20060101 E05B073/00 |
Claims
1. A gun storage rack comprising: a. an elongated support base,
said support base having an upper end and a lower end; b. a muzzle
housing secured to said upper end of said support base; c. a stock
housing secured to said lower end of said support base, said stock
housing having a movable floor, said floor being resiliently biased
upwardly and having a lower locked position and an upper released
position; and, d. locking means for selectively securing said floor
in said lower locked position and releasing said floor to be biased
upwardly into said upper released position, whereby under downward
pressure from the stock of a gun, the downward travel of the floor
allows the muzzle end of the gun to clear a lower edge of the
muzzle housing and upon release of said downward pressure, the
muzzle is urged upwardly by said resilient bias to enter said
muzzle housing, and said locking means is actuated to restrain said
floor from being moved downwardly, locking the muzzle end and the
stock end of the gun respectively within the muzzle housing and the
stock housing.
2. A gun storage rack as in claim 1 in which release of said
locking means allows the gun to be moved downwardly so that the
muzzle clears said lower edge of said muzzle housing, allowing
instantaneous removal of the gun from the gun storage rack.
3. A gun storage rack as in claim 1 further including a selectively
positionable trigger housing secured along said support base
between said muzzle housing and said stock housing, said trigger
housing enclosing lateral portions of the gun adjacent and around
the trigger, preventing access thereto.
4. A gun storage rack as in claim 1 in which said muzzle housing is
selectively positionable along said support base to accommodate
guns having different lengths from muzzle end to stock end.
5. A gun storage rack as in claim 1 in which said support base is
attached either to a wall or to a door.
6. A gun storage rack as in claim 1 in which said movable floor is
resiliently biased by at least one spring.
7. A gun storage rack as in claim 6, further including at least one
telescoping guide rod extending between said stock housing and said
movable floor, said guide rod being effective to maintain said
movable floor in parallel relation to a bottom floor of said
housing, when said movable floor moves between said lower locked
position and said upper released position.
8. A gun storage rack as in claim 1 in which said locking means
comprises at least one pin, said pin extending through an aperture
in a side wall in said stock housing to register within a bore in
said movable floor when said floor is in said lower locked
position.
9. A gun storage rack as in claim 1 in which said locking means
comprises a combination lock, said combination lock having a locked
condition for extending a pin through an aperture in a side wall in
said stock housing to register within a bore in said movable floor
securing said floor in said lower locked position, and having an
unlocked condition for withdrawing said pin from said bore allowing
said resiliently biased movable floor to move upwardly into said
upper released position.
10. A gun storage rack comprising: a. an elongated support base,
said support base having an upper end and a lower end; b. a muzzle
housing secured to said upper end of said support base, said muzzle
housing being sized and configured to accommodate a muzzle of a
gun; c. a stock housing secured to said lower end of said support
base, said stock housing being sized and configured to accommodate
a stock of the gun, said stock housing further having a movable
floor, said floor being resiliently biased upwardly and having a
lower locked position and an upper released position; d. a
selectively positionable trigger housing secured along said support
base between said muzzle housing and said stock housing, said
trigger housing enclosing lateral portions of the gun adjacent and
around the trigger, preventing access thereto; and, e. a lock
attached to said stock housing, said lock having a locked condition
for selectively securing said movable floor in said lower locked
position and an unlocked condition for releasing said movable floor
so it is free to be biased upwardly into said upper released
position.
11. A gun storage rack as in claim 10 in which release of said lock
allows the gun to be moved downwardly so that the muzzle clears a
lower edge of said muzzle housing, allowing instantaneous removal
of the gun from the gun storage rack.
12. A gun storage rack as in claim 10 in which said muzzle housing
is selectively positionable along said support base to accommodate
guns having different lengths from muzzle end to stock end.
13. A gun storage rack as in claim 10 in which said support base is
attached either to a wall or to a door.
14. A gun storage rack as in claim 10 in which said movable floor
is resiliently biased by at least one spring.
15. A gun storage rack as in claim 10 in which said lock comprises
at least one pin, said pin extending through an aperture in a side
wall in said stock housing to register within a bore in said
movable floor when said floor is in said lower locked position.
16. A gun storage rack as in claim 10 in which said lock comprises
a combination lock, said combination lock having a locked condition
for extending a pin through an aperture in a side wall in said
stock housing to register within a bore in said movable floor
securing said floor in said lower locked position, and having an
unlocked condition for withdrawing said pin from said bore allowing
said resiliently biased movable floor to move upwardly into said
upper released position.
17. A gun storage rack comprising: a. an elongated support base,
said support base having an upper end and a lower end; b. a muzzle
housing secured to said upper end of said support base, said muzzle
housing being sized and configured to accommodate a muzzle of a
gun; c. a combined stock and trigger housing secured to said lower
end of said support base, said stock and trigger housing being
sized and configured to accommodate and enclose both the stock and
the trigger of the gun, said stock and trigger housing further
having a movable floor, said floor being resiliently biased
upwardly and having a lower locked position and an upper released
position; and, d. a lock attached to said stock and trigger
housing, said lock having a locked condition for selectively
securing said movable floor in said lower locked position and an
unlocked condition for releasing said movable floor so it is free
to be biased upwardly into said upper released position.
18. A gun storage rack as in claim 17 in which the gun has a
magazine extending therefrom, and in which said stock and trigger
housing accommodates and encloses the magazine.
19. A gun storage rack as in claim 17 in which said lock comprises
at least one pin, said pin extending through an aperture in a side
wall in said stock and trigger housing to register within a bore in
said movable floor when said floor is in said lower locked
position.
20. A gun storage rack as in claim 17 in which said lock comprises
a combination lock, said combination lock having a locked condition
for extending a pin through an aperture in a side wall in said
stock housing to register within a bore in said movable floor
securing said floor in said lower locked position, and having an
unlocked condition for withdrawing said pin from said bore allowing
said resiliently biased movable floor to move upwardly into said
upper released position.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] Pursuant to the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e)(1),
Applicant claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/293253, filed Jan. 8, 2010.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to improvements in gun
storage racks. More particularly, a wall or door mounted gun
storage rack includes structurally integrated muzzle, trigger, and
stock housings, providing locked safekeeping for storage of a
firearm and a quick release feature for its rapid deployment.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Gun racks have a variety of purposes including display,
security from theft, and prevention of unauthorized access and use.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,791,499, granted to Zebbedies,
illustrates a shotgun rack including a support spine 14 having a
first support 22 at the stock end, and a second support 24 at the
barrel end. A conventional trigger lock 31 may be attached to the
support spine to prevent unauthorized use of the firearm.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,129,563, issued to Dillon, shows an Assembly
For Mounting A Shotgun To A Car Seat. This arrangement relies upon
a gun carrier having a closed position where a stop plate overhangs
the open top of the carrier preventing removal of the gun. The
carrier also has an open position where the carrier is angled away
from the stop plate allowing the gun to be lifted free. The carrier
further includes a bottom wall with an opening to accommodate and
surround the trigger mechanism of the gun while it is stored.
[0007] A Safety Device For Firearms is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No.
5,916,087, granted to Owens. This device includes a mounting plate
and a shield, forming an enclosure into which a handgun and a
holster are secured. When activated, a solenoid 112 pins a locking
section 118 to plate 111, preventing rotation of locking bracket
113. A second purely mechanical lock is also provided, comprising
notch 121, bracket 113, and release lever 122. In addition, FIG. 4
shows an alternative embodiment, for storage of a rifle or a
shotgun.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,780, issued to Woodbury, discloses a
portable gun rack for use in motor vehicles. The construction
employs an elongated strut including a barrel support block
perpendicularly affixed to its upper end. The block has a plurality
of U-shaped notches in its surface to accommodate the muzzle of a
gun. Hook and loop fasteners are used to secure the muzzle in
place. A support box is mounted between the bucket seats to receive
the butt of the gun.
[0009] A gun caddy is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,144,971, granted to
Balibrea. This portable device includes a support shaft and a base
member at its lower end for supporting the stock end of a rifle or
shotgun. Stakes depending from the lower side of the base member
are driven into the ground to provide rigidity and stability of the
device. The upper end of the support shaft has a grip member
configured to accept the barrel of a firearm.
[0010] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0164036 A1,
filed by Cummins, shows a rotatable gun storage carousel. A
vertical oriented main post 102 has a lower end affixed to a base
104. Slots 110 are provided in the base, for receiving rifle butts
stored in the carousel. A center wing 106 includes cutouts 112 for
receiving rifle barrels.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention comprises a gun storage rack having an
elongated support base for convenient mounting on a wall or a door.
The upper end of the support base includes a muzzle housing which
is sized and configured to accommodate the muzzle end of a gun,
such as a rifle or a shotgun. The lower end of the support base
includes a stock housing which is sized and configured to
accommodate the stock end of the gun. The stock housing has a
movable floor, which is resiliently biased upwardly through the use
of springs, or other equivalents. Guide means may be provided to
maintain the movable floor and the bottom floor of the stock
housing in generally parallel relation, as the floor moves upwardly
and downwardly.
[0012] Under downward pressure from the stock of a gun inserted
into the stock housing, the floor is urged downwardly. The downward
travel of the floor allows the muzzle end of the gun to clear the
lower edge of the muzzle housing, and be centered on the lower,
open end of the muzzle housing. Upon release of the downward
pressure on the gun, the muzzle end is moved upwardly to enter the
muzzle housing. Locking means is then actuated, restraining the
floor in the stock housing from being moved downwardly. This, in
turn, effectively locks the upper and lower ends of the gun
respectively within the muzzle housing and the stock housing.
[0013] A selectively positionable trigger housing is also secured
to the support base, between the muzzle housing and the stock
housing. The trigger housing encloses lateral portions of the gun
adjacent and surrounding the trigger mechanism, preventing access
thereto. Since the gun is locked in the rack with its trigger
mechanism inaccessible, the gun can safely be stored in a loaded
condition.
[0014] Release of the locking means frees the movable floor for
vertical translation. Applying downward pressure on the gun
depresses the movable floor downward a sufficient amount so the
gun's muzzle clears the lower edge of the muzzle housing. Then,
drawn outwardly from the rack and lifted upwardly, the gun is free
from the muzzle housing, the trigger housing, and the stock
housing, and ready for use.
[0015] An alternative embodiment includes a combined stock and
trigger housing, that accommodates and encloses the stock, trigger,
and external magazine of a gun such as an assault rifle. The
combined stock and trigger housing prevents access to both the
trigger and the magazine of the assault rifle, while it is in a
locked condition for storage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the Gun Storage Rack,
showing a gun being inserted into the stock housing;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view, taken on the line 2-2, in
FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view as in FIG. 1, but showing the
stock end of the gun fully inserted into the stock housing, urging
the movable floor therein downwardly;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view, taken on the line 4-4, in
FIG. 3;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a gun installed into
the Gun Storage Rack, the locking pin being inserted through an
aperture in the sidewall of the stock housing for engagement with a
bore in the movable floor;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, taken on the line 6-6, in
FIG. 5;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken through the stock
housing, showing one version of the locking mechanism for the
movable floor;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken through the base
plate, showing how it is attached to a wall and a wall stud;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of the stock
housing and the stock of a gun showing the locking mechanism being
released to allow the gun to be withdrawn from the Gun Storage
Rack;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view showing the adjustable
positioning feature for both the muzzle housing and the trigger
housing, to accommodate firearms having different lengths from
muzzle end to stock end;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view of the stock
housing fitted with another version of the locking mechanism,
having an electronic combination lock feature;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the
locking mechanism shown in FIG. 11, showing the locking pin being
withdrawn;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of the Gun Storage Rack including a combined stock and trigger
housing;
[0029] FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the Rack shown in FIG.
13, showing a stored assault rifle in broken line, the trigger and
magazine of the rifle being enclosed by the stock and trigger
housing and the electronic combination lock being eliminated for
clarity; and,
[0030] FIG. 15 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken on the
line 15-15 in FIG. 13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0031] Turning now to FIG. 1, the gun storage rack 11 comprises an
elongated support base 12, adapted to be mounted on mounted on a
wall 13 or a door 14 (See, FIG. 5). Conventional screws 16 are used
to mount the base 12, and in the case of a wall mount, screws 16
preferably extend into wall studs 17 for additional security. Base
12 is preferably fabricated from a metal strip of aluminum or
steel, and includes an upper end 18 and a lower end 19.
[0032] The upper end 18 of support base 12 includes a muzzle
housing 21, having an open, downwardly facing bottom portion 22.
Bottom portion 22 is sized and configured to accommodate the muzzle
end 23 of a gun 24. The inner end of muzzle housing 21 is provided
with ribs 26 on opposing sides, facing inwardly toward and engaging
with respective channels 27 extending along opposing edges of base
12. The interior walls of muzzle housing 21 may be provided with
foam or cloth padding (not shown) to protect the muzzle end 23 from
being scratched or marred.
[0033] The lower end 19 of support base 12 includes stock housing
28, having an open, upwardly facing top portion 29. Top portion 29
is sized and configured to accommodate the stock end 31 of the gun
24. Stock housing 28 is preferably permanently affixed to support
base 12, but alternatively, a vertically adjustable mounting
arrangement could be employed to accommodate guns of different
overall length. As is shown particularly in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6, stock
housing 28 is provided with a movable floor 32 which is resiliently
biased upwardly. This is accomplished through the use of one or
more springs 33, extending from a bottom floor 34 in the housing 28
to the underside of movable floor 32. Other structural equivalents,
such as pneumatic or hydraulic means, or an underlying layer of
resilient material, could also be substituted in the same location
with identical results.
[0034] Guide means 36 may also be provided in housing 28 to
maintain the movable floor 32 and the bottom floor 34 of the
housing in generally parallel relation, as the floor 32 moves
upwardly and downwardly. As shown in the drawings, this may be
accomplished through the use of a telescoping tube assembly This
particular construction for guide means 36 is centrally positioned
within the housing 28, interconnecting bottom floor 34 with the
underside of movable floor 32. Structural equivalents include
vertically extending rails, channels, rollers, and the like,
mounted on the movable floor 32 and the interior walls of the stock
housing 28. These alternative constructions would be equally
effective in maintaining movable floor 32 in parallel relation to
the bottom floor 34, as it is translated upwardly and
downwardly.
[0035] When the gun storage rack 11 is unloaded, as shown in FIG.
1, the movable floor 32 is resiliently biased upwardly into an
upper released position. (See, FIG. 2). When the user is ready to
load gun 24 into the rack, the stock end 31 is inserted into the
stock housing 28. Then, as downward pressure is applied on the gun,
the downward travel of the movable floor 32 allows the gun's muzzle
end 23 to clear the lower edge 37 of the muzzle housing 21. At this
point, the movable floor is depressed into a gun loading position,
as shown in FIG. 4. When the muzzle end is positioned below the
open bottom portion 22, the pressure on the resilient bias means is
released, allowing the gun to moved slightly upwardly as the muzzle
end 23 enters the muzzle housing 21.
[0036] Locking means 38 is also provided to secure the gun 24
within the gun storage rack 11 so that it cannot be removed by
unauthorized users or thieves. Locking means 38 comprises a locking
pin 39 used in combination with a grip 41 having a centrally
positioned magnet 40. A plurality of apertures 42 are provided in
the sidewall of the stock housing 28, for passage of pin 39. The
vertical line of apertures 42 is provided to accommodate different
vertical positions for movable floor 32 when it is ready to be
locked into position, as will be more apparent from the discussion
below.
[0037] At least one bore 43 is included in movable floor 32, for
engagement by the locking pin 39. One or more recesses 44 may be
provided in the opposing sidewall of housing 28, to accommodate the
distal end of locking pin 39, providing additional strength once
the pin is inserted. (See, FIGS. 5 and 7). Each recess 44
corresponds in vertical position to a respective aperture on the
opposite side of housing 28.
[0038] Locking means 38 may also be located on the opposite side of
housing 28, in the event the right hand side of gun storage rack 11
is mounted close to a wall or other structure, limiting access on
that side. This alternative arrangement for locking means 38 is
indicated in broken line in FIG. 7.
[0039] In preparation for locking the gun 24 within the rack 11,
the user selects a particular aperture 42 for hand insertion of the
pin 39. The proper aperture 42 will be the one that aligns with
bore 43. It should be understood that depending upon the weight and
length of the gun 24, bore 43 may be aligned with a different
aperture 42, as the movable floor 32 may be located at different
heights. Upon selection of the proper aperture 42 and full
insertion of pin 39, locking means 38 is effective to restrain
movable floor 32 from being moved downwardly. Moreover, the
proximal end of locking pin 39 is flush with the sidewall of stock
housing 28, making it impossible to grasp and remove. With the
muzzle end 23 of the gun secured within the muzzle housing 21, and
the stock end 31 of the gun secured within the stock housing 28,
the gun cannot be removed from the gun storage rack 11. FIG. 6
shows the relative position of movable floor 32 in its lower locked
position, with locking means 38 actuated.
[0040] For removal of the gun 24 from the rack 11, the user first
locates grip 41. Magnet 40, centered on the inner face of grip 41,
is then moved into close proximity with the proximal end of locking
pin 39. The magnetic forces are effective to entrap locking pin 39,
so that withdrawal of grip 41 away from stock housing 28 will also
draw pin 39 outwardly for complete removal therefrom. (See, FIGS. 7
and 9). Release of the locking means frees movable floor 32 so it
may again be depressed into a lower position. Applying downward
pressure on the gun 24 urges movable floor 32 downward a sufficient
amount so the gun's muzzle clears the lower edge 37 of the muzzle
housing 21. Then, the gun 24 is drawn outwardly from the rack 11
and lifted upwardly. Free from the muzzle housing 21, the trigger
housing 52, and the stock housing 28, the gun 24 is ready for
use.
[0041] An even more secure locking means 46 is shown in FIGS. 11
and 12. In this arrangement, an electronic combination lock 47
includes a locking pin 48. An aperture 49 is provided in a sidewall
of stock housing 28, for passage of locking pin 48. A bore 51 is
provided in movable floor 32 to accommodate pin 48 when it is
inserted through bore 51, placing movable floor 32 in a locked
condition. When the proper combination is entered into lock 47, pin
48 may be withdrawn by magnetic forces using grip 41, as described
above. With pin 48 removed from bore 51, movable floor 32 is free
for downward movement and removal of gun 24.
[0042] It is apparent that electronic combination lock 47 could
include a solenoid for powered extension and retraction of pin 48.
In addition, a mechanical combination lock could readily be
substituted for electronic combination lock 47, providing identical
functionality and structural equivalency. Other equivalent
structures for locking movable floor 32 in place would include any
mechanical impediment to its downward travel, such as a shelf, a
boss, a rod, or the like that could selectively be deployed beneath
movable floor 32 for locking its position.
[0043] A selectively positionable trigger housing 52 is also
provided to complete the security and safety features of the gun
storage rack 11. When the gun 24 is secured within rack 11, the
various sidewalls of trigger housing 52 effectively enclose its
trigger 53 and trigger guard 54, preventing access to these
components. It should be noted that trigger housing 52 also
includes ribs (not shown) on opposing sides of its inner end. These
ribs face inwardly toward and engage with respective channels 27 in
support base 12, in a fashion identical to corresponding components
on muzzle housing 21. This construction allows selectively
adjustable positioning of trigger housing so it can be located
precisely over the trigger and trigger guard components,
irrespective of the length of the gun and without regard to where
these components may be located along its length. Screws or other
locking mechanisms, inaccessible when the gun 24 is stored in the
rack, secure the trigger housing 52 in place.
[0044] In order to accommodate guns of different lengths, muzzle
housing 21 is also provided with the same adjustability and
selectively lockable features enjoyed by trigger housing 52. As
previously described, ribs 26 on the inner end of housing 21 slide
within channels 27, providing vertical adjustment of the housing 21
along support base 12. FIG. 10 illustrates in particular, the
adjustability features of the housings 21 and 52. For a shorter
gun, both housing 21 and housing 52 are moved into lower,
alternative positions, represented by broken line in FIG. 10, and
then locked into place. In that manner, the gun storage rack 11 can
advantageously be adjusted and adapted for shotguns and rifles
having different overall lengths, and different locations for their
actuating trigger mechanisms.
[0045] Gun storage rack 56, shown in FIGS. 13-15, represents an
alternative embodiment of the invention, specially adapted to store
an assault rifle 57. Where structure corresponding to that
previously described is used in gun storage rack 56, identical
identifying numerals will be used in the description of this
embodiment. And, with several exceptions noted below, the operation
of gun storage rack 56 is identical to that for gun storage rack
12, so those aspects will not be repeated for the sake of
brevity.
[0046] The elongated support base 12 includes muzzle housing 58 at
its upper end 18. Muzzle housing 58 is vertically adjustable along
channels 27, to accommodate rifles of different overall length. The
interior of muzzle housing 58 includes a padded compartment 59 to
accommodate the larger forward sight 61 of assault rifle 57. Muzzle
housing 58 is also somewhat longer than muzzle housing 21, owing to
the greater horizontal distance between muzzle end 62 and support
base 12.
[0047] A combined stock and trigger housing 63 is secured to
support base 12, extending vertically from the lower end 19
approximately 2/3 of its length. Stock and trigger housing 63 is
sized and configured to accommodate and enclose not only the stock
31 and trigger 53 of the rifle 57, but also the magazine 64. In
this manner, the side and front walls of housing 63 prevent access
to dangerous actuating components of the rifle 57.
[0048] The stock and trigger housing 63 also has a movable floor 32
which is resiliently biased upwardly by springs 33. Guide means 36
is also provided to ensure smooth upward and downward vertical
excursions of movable floor 32. Movable floor 32 also has a lower
locked position and an upper released position, which respectively
function to maintain the rifle 57 in a locked condition for storage
and to effect a released condition for immediate removal and
deployment. Locking and release of movable floor 32 is effected by
an electronic combination lock 66, shown in FIG. 13. In this
arrangement, a locking pin 48 extends from the lock 66 to engage a
bore 67, extending transversely through floor 32.
* * * * *